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18 November  2022 
(22-8561) Page: 1/ 22 
Committee on Trade Facilitation  Original: English  
 
 REPORT BY  THE ITC AND  THE ANNEX D PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS   
TO THE  TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE  
17 November  2022 
FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  2 
GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION  ................................ ................................  3 
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE (ITC)  ................................ ................................ ...........  5 
ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  ...............  8 
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)  ..................  10 
UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (UNECE)  ..............................  14 
WORLD BANK GROUP (WBG)  ................................ ................................ ........................  16 
WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION (WCO)  ................................ ................................ .... 19 
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  FOREWORD  
The WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement Facility (TFAF) was created to help WTO developing and least 
developed country Members find the support they need to implement the Trade Facilitation 
Agreement (TFA). One of the ways that the TFAF fulfils this role is by providing information on the 
TFA implementation support programs offered by partner organizations, the so -called "Annex D" 
organizations. This document, coordinated by the TFAF, provides updates on the TFA implementation 
support activities that are being carried out by partner organizations. It is also available on the TFAF 
website.  
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GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TR ADE FACILITATION  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation is a public -private partnership for trade -led growth. 
Its mandate is to assist governments in developing and l east developed countries implement the 
World Trade Organization 's Trade Facilitation Agreement. It does so by bringing together 
governments and businesses as equal partners to identify opportunities to address unnecessary red 
tape and delays at borders and  design and deploy targeted reforms that deliver commercially 
quantifiable results.  
1.2.  Alliance projects help to create an environment where businesses can trade more easily, with 
predictable procedures, streamlined regulations, and modern automation. The res ulting increase in 
trade and investment is expected to unlock inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction.  
1.3.  The Alliance is led by the Center for International Private Enterprise, the International Chamber 
of Commerce and the World Economic Forum, in c ooperation with Gesellschaft für Internationale 
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). It is funded by the governments of the United States, Canada, Germany, 
and Denmark.   
1.4.  The Alliance is currently implementing 27 projects  in developing and least developed countries. 
These projects support countries in implement ing the TFA through an approach built upon 
three  pillars:  
- Public private partnerships  bringing governments and businesses together as equal 
partners in tackling trade barriers, using a wide range of platforms to help all sides better 
appreciate each other 's perspectives, identify the root causes of trade problems, and map 
out ways to collaborativel y resolve them.  
- Delivering impacts  that translate the trust and confidence of public -private partnership 
into trade facilitation reforms in support of commitments to implement the TFA. Projects are 
co-created and co -implemented by government and business, delivering tangible 
quantitative impacts for both sectors.  
- Measuring impacts  of trade facilitation interventions by showing how projects cut the time 
and costs associated with trade  for both business and government .  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCO MING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
Ongoing projects, methods of delivery and milestones  
2.1.  In line with the above -mentioned pillars, Alliance projects are developed using three methods:  
(a) co-creation, (b) business action and (c) upscaling. Co -creation projects are collaborative projects 
developed  collaboratively from the ground up  between public and private sectors; business action 
projects are highly targeted  and driven by the knowhow of Alliance global B usiness Partners; and 
upscaling refers to projects where expertise gained through successful project delivery is used to 
make a similar intervention in another country.  
2.2.  Over 50% of funds allocated to Alliance projects are fully dedicated to the tas k of digitalising 
processes. The Alliance conducts business process analysis and then works with government 
agencies and private sector to implement appropriate digitalisation tools for the purpose of 
facilitating trade; this in cludes the interfacing of co ntrolling agencies to local Single Window systems , 
implementing risk management solutions, digitizing specific certificates which are currently paper -
based and lately automating the process of managing Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.  
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  2.3.  Over 40% of  Alliance projects delivered by the Alliance relate to  the Agri -food sector, and often 
in relation to the  introduction of electronic phytosanitary certificates (e -phyto) . The remaining 
projects concern the health and healthcare, transport and logistics and  automotive industries.  
2.4.  This year,  the Alliance launched new projects in Bangladesh, Jordan, Fiji, Cameroon, and 
Indonesia. The projects in Madagasc ar and Senegal  to digitali ze phytosanitary certificate processes 
have been  successfully completed , saving time and money for trad ers exporting key commodities 
such as vanilla and other agricultural products. In Latin America and the Caribbean , the Alliance 
supported the successful conclusion of the landmark agreement between 11 countries endorsing the 
Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Regional Recognition Arrangement – the biggest in the world 
outside of the European Union. And in Brazil  the Alliance has finalized the roll out of a modernized 
import licensing system, while also launching the Center of Excellence in Colombia  to centralize and 
harmonize advanced rulings.  
2.5.  The Alliance is currently actively present in the following countries: Bang ladesh, Brazil, 
Cambodia, Cameroon, Colombia, Ecuador, Fiji, Indonesia, Jordan, Madagascar, Malawi, Morocco, 
Mozambique, Nigeria, Peru, Senegal, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda, Viet Nam and Zambia.  
Global Partnerships  
2.6.  In March this year, a  global partnership between the Alliance and UNICEF  was formali sed to 
expedite delivery of critical supplies to chi ldren and vulnerable communities . The Alliance and 
UNICEF are supporting  the transformation of border clearing processes for imports of critical medical 
goods, including routine vaccines and rapid test kits , into Mozambique.  
2.7.  In July, the Alliance  and the I slamic Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT) have agreed  on 
a partnership  to support ICDT member states in fully implemen ting the TFA . 
2.8.  A partnership  was also signed with the  International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) aimed 
at transforming the cumbersome, paper -based phytosanita ry certification procedures required for 
international trade in plant and plant products . 
2.9.  This year, the Alliance welcomed Sanofi , Adidas , Michelin  and Essilor in becoming official 
Alliance global Business Partner s, bringing the total number of global business partners to 4 1.  
Events  
On 20 –21 September, a lmost 700 participants in over 100 countries participated in  the 
Trade  Facilitation Innovation Days 2022  jointly organized by UNCTAD and the Alliance.  The two-day 
online event  provided a pl atform for the cross -fertilization of ideas from trade facilitation experts, 
government officials, border agents, logisticians, academics, and other specialists.  The event 
enabled an interactive, solution -based, approach to tackling some of the unresolved lingering 
challenges still being faced by the trading community in many parts of the world.  
 
Recognition/ Award  
2.10.   In recognition of its work, the Alliance was nominated as  one of the five finalists for the 
P3 Impact Award  which honours leading public -private partnerships (P3s) that improve communities 
and the world. The P3 Award is granted by Concordia, the University of Virginia Darden School 
Institute for Business in Society, and the U.S. Department of  State 's Office of Global Partnerships.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  To request assistance or partner with us as a government, business, or international 
organization, please contact us at: mariam.soumare@weforum.org   
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
- Alliance projects   
- Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation Annual Report 2021  
- Least D eveloped Countries Report 2022   G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE  (ITC)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The International Trade Centre (ITC) offers a comprehensive range of trade facilitation services 
to its beneficiaries towards implementation of the TFA, factoring in the business perspective and 
with continuous engagement and cooperation between stakeholde rs at its core.  
1.2.  ITC provides support to public and private trade actors, including National Trade Facilitation 
Committees (NTFCs), to implement a wide range of TFA obligations, strengthening WTO Members' 
national preparedness to operationalize the measure s of the Agreement, and thus meet  their WTO 
commitments.  It does so by reviewing or supporting the establishment of the national legal 
framework enabling the implementation of the TFA measures, and by providing support to practically 
operationalize the mea sures with private  sector's involvement in the overall process.  
1.3.  ITC also assists beneficiary countries to request financial and technical assistance to achieve 
implementation of Category C commitments.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES  
2.1.  With technical assistance delivered in more than 2 0 countries  in Asia, Africa, Oceania and the 
Middle East,  ITC is keeping the momentum high for trade facilitation reforms , providing tailored 
advisory services and practical support for the implementation  of TFA measures. Transparency, 
simplification and d igitalization of border procedures are at the core of ITC assistance,  advanced 
through an inclusive and consultative approach, and amplified as a response to COVID -19 
disruptions.  
Building national dialogue and capacity to understand, implement and monito r the 
implementation of the TFA  
 
2.2.  ITC is supporting public and private stakeholders worldwide to build their capacity to 
understand TFA requirements and their ensuing benefits, prioritize and sequence successfully for 
their implementation, and establish or strengthen National Trade Facilitation Committees (NTFCs) 
to stir the design, operationalization and monitoring of trade facilitation reforms.  
2.3.  In Nepal, ITC has recently supported the review of Category C commitments, identify needs 
and requirements for t echnical assistance, and notify indicative dates for their implementation to 
the WTO. In Jordan, ITC is supporting stakeholders to review and refine the implementation 
modalities of Category A commitments, whereas in Iraq and Uzbekistan, ITC is conducting a review 
of the national compliance with TFA requirements in preparation for accession to the WTO. Finally, 
ITC is supporting the organization of a national donor panel in Burkina Faso to implement its TFA 
implementation roadmap.  
2.4.  ITC is also supporting  NTFCs – at all stages of maturity – to set up or strengthen  their 
institutional set-up, operations and network (Article 23.2). ITC is notably  assisting Uzbekistan and 
Iraq to establish their NTFC, Nepal to build consensus and initial capacity -building on NTFC 's 
organizational structure, mandate and operations, Pakistan to revitalize its NTFC's operations and 
Sri Lanka, Burkina Faso and the Philippines to strengthen their NTFC's performance and practices.  
2.5.  With a view to deepen regional integration, ITC is also  fostering dialogue and capacity -building 
on regional approaches to TFA implementation in the East African Community (EAC), supporting 
policymakers and stakeholders to harmonize trade facilitation reforms and targets at the regional 
economic community (REC ) level (Article 24.5).  
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  Supporting the implementation of transparency measures of the TFA  
 
2.6.  ITC is augmenting its support to  establish or enhance Trade Facilitation Portals (TFPs) in 
beneficiary countries , in collaboration with UNCTAD, w ith a view to boost implementation of the 
transparency measures (Article 1.1 and 1.2) enshrin ed in the TFA.  TFPs are a digital solution serving 
as a one -stop-shop providing up -to-date information on export, import and transit  procedures  and 
formalities  in an easily acce ssible manner.  
2.7.  In particular, ITC has successfully supported Jordan, Kyrgyzstan , Kazakhstan, Burkina Faso 
and Burundi to launch their national TFP and is actively supporting Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and 
Pakistan to establish theirs. ITC is also supporting  Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Burundi, Burkina Faso, 
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka to update and enhance their TFP's 
features. In Tajikistan, ITC is also introducing the publication of the commentary to the Customs 
code (Article  1.1). 
Supporting the implementation of efficiency measures of the TFA  
 
2.8.  In an effort to make customs procedures more efficient and predictable, ITC is providing 
technical assistance to establish or review the national legal and regulatory framework to impleme nt 
selected TFA measures. In Niger and Jordan, ITC has been supporting policymakers to develop and 
operationalize the legal and regulatory framework to issue advance rulings (Article 3) and piloted its 
implementation with the private sector. ITC has also r ecently supported Tajikistan's Customs 
administration to introduce provisions in the Customs code allowing companies, which meet 
pre-defined criteria , to apply for the  authorized operator  (AO) status  and benefit from several 
facilitative measures, as stipu lated in Article 7.7. In the Philippines, ITC is working to enhance the 
AEO scheme as well as e -commerce clearance procedures. ITC is also supporting border agencies in 
Jordan to implement a consultation mechanism as stipulated in Article 2.2, as well as a  mechanism 
for review and appeal (Article 4).  
2.9.  Complementarily, ITC is strengthening mechanisms for border agency cooperation (Article 8) 
to apply more efficient con trols and streamlined procedures. In Pakistan, ITC is developing a 
framework methodology for  border agency cooperation at Customs border stations. To make 
cross-border procedures faster and simpler, ITC is supporting the establishment of an integrated 
risk management system in line with Article 7.4, the implementation of a pre -arrival processing 
(Article  7.1) system, the publication of average release times (Article 7.6), the acceptance of copies 
(Article 10.2) and the enhancement of the advance rulings (Article 3) and post -clearance audit 
(Article 7.5) systems in a number of countries, including Guinea, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Pakistan and 
the Philippines.  
2.10.   ITC is also supporting the simplification and digitalization of border procedure and trade 
formalities. Using TFPs tools  through  national and regional partnerships, ITC is building capacity to 
harmonize and simplify trade formalities  in the spirit of Article 10.1 of the TFA, such as in Sri Lanka, 
Tajikistan, Kazakhstan , Kyrgyz Republic, Uzbekistan, Tanzania and Burkina Faso.  
2.11.   ITC is also working in Sri Lanka to fully digitalize the issuance of certificates of origin, to 
establish three (3) electronic payment gateways, as well as to digitalize the registration procedures 
of trade stakeholders with a view to curb unnecessary delays an d costs for micro, small and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs). Similarly, ITC is supporting Egypt to automate the certificate of origin's 
procedures.  
2.12.   ITC is also working with Customs administrations in Central Asia to support gender -responsive 
trade facilitatio n reforms, in particular through trainings of border officials and women traders. These 
trainings allow trade policymakers, Customs officers and border officials to understand why 
facilitating trade for women is important, while highlighting constraints th at women face when 
engaging in international trade.  
Enhancing business capacity to benefit from TFA and strengthening compliance with 
international trade procedures  
 
2.13.   ITC directly assists businesses, in particular MSMEs and small -scale cross-border traders 
(SSCBTs), to enhance their regulatory compliance with trade formalities and procedures and ensure G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  that they can benefit from a meaningful implementation of the TFA – including through e -learning 
courses on the TFA, on -site coaching and  advocacy support.  
2.14.   ITC is delivering on -the-job coaching  and advisory services to M SMEs  and SSCBTs  to improve 
their compliance level with cross -border  management requirements and cut the time and cost of 
doing business.  
2.15.   ITC is also strengthened private s ector and trade -support institutions (TSIs)' capacity to 
advocate for effective policy and sectoral trade facilitation reforms at the national and regional level, 
notably in the EAC region, as well as their representation in the NTFC to cater for businesse s' needs 
in the reform process.    
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  ITC is delivering its technical assistance on TFA implementation in the context of multi -annual 
trade -related projects that are being implemented in specific countries and regions. The portfolio of 
trade facilitation services provided to beneficiary clients is hence pre -determined under the 
framework of these country -specific or region -specific trade facilitation technical assistance 
programmes. Nonetheless, with the support of additional funding,  ITC can further assist clients to 
capitalize on the implementation of the TFA . 
Your contact point at ITC  
 
3.2.  Interested WTO Members  and development partners  may contact Dr. Mohammad Saeed, Chief, 
Trade Facilitation and Policy for Business, at saeed@intracen.org , +41 22 -730 01 26, to receive 
further information on ITC's trade facilitation portfolio of services and technical assista nce. 
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ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO -OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development (OECD) is an international 
organizati on working to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well -being of 
people around the world. The OECD provides a knowledge hub for data and analysis and a unique 
forum in which governments can work together to share experiences, best pra ctices and seek 
solutions to common problems.  
1.2.  To help governments improve their border procedures, reduce trade costs, boost trade flows 
and reap greater benefits from international trade, the OECD has developed a set of Trade 
Facilitation Indicators (TFIs ) that identify areas for action and enable the potential impact of trade 
facilitation reforms to be assessed: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . The OECD 
TFIs are st rongly linked to the policy areas covered by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The 
indicators thus cover the full spectrum of border procedures for more than 160 economies across 
different income levels, geographical regions, and levels of development.  Each TFI is composed of 
several specific, precise and fact -based variables on existing trade -related policies and regulations 
and their implementation in practice. The OECD TFIs allow countries to identify their strengths and 
weaknesses in trade facilitat ion, prioritize areas for action, and mobilize technical assistance and 
capacity building in a more targeted way. The TFIs not only measure the actual extent to which 
countries have introduced and implemented trade facilitation measures in absolute terms, but also 
their performance relative to others, using a series of quantitative measures on key areas of the 
border process.  
1.3.  The TFIs have been used for a wide range of empirical analyses, assessing among others the 
impacts of trade facilitation reforms on t rade costs, trade flows in various goods sectors (e.g. 
agro-food, pharmaceutical and chemicals, machinery and other manufacturing goods), trade in small 
parcels, and participation of MSMEs in international trade as exporters and importers.  
1.4.  Donor support (i .e. ODA and OOF) for trade facilitation programmes are recorded in the OECD 
Creditor Reporting System (CRS) under the heading 'trade facilitation': 
https://stats.oecd.org/qwids/ . 
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT  OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
OECD TFIs 2022 update cycle  
2.1.  The data underpinning the OECD TFIs  are updated every biennium. Information for 2022 is 
foreseen to be made available by Q4 2022 through the TFIs online visualization tools. This allows 
economies to track their progress since 2013, when the project was launched, as well as to assess 
key cha llenges.  
2.2.  The update is accompanied by a working paper with a special focus on international co -
operation through mechanisms of border agency co -operation, also covering relevant developments 
during the COVID -19 pandemic. The analysis highlights there is sc ope to build on COVID -19 
inter-agency co -operation structures to enhance crises responsiveness and resilience, as well as 
international co -operation more broadly.  
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  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) visualization tools  
2.3.  The OECD TFIs data can be acces sed through the Compare your Country tool, which allows to 
explore the performance of various countries or groups of countries as well as to visualize worldwide 
progress across specific trade facilitation areas. The Policy Simulator tool allows to discover  the key 
measures driving the performance of a selected country in a specific indicator and simulate the 
effects of potential policy reforms on the overall performance.  
OECD COVID -19 Policy Responses Hub  
2.4.  COVID -19 issues have been mainstreamed under differe nt areas of the OECD's work, including 
trade facilitation. Several policy analyses on trade facilitation issues were released on the OECD 
COVID -19 Policy Responses Hub: https://www.oecd.org/coronavirus/e n/. 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  Any enquiries regarding the OECD work on trade facilitation and the OECD Trade Facilitation 
Indicators can be directed to: Ms. Silvia Sorescu, Trade Policy Division, Trade and Agriculture 
Directorate ( silvia.sorescu@oecd.org ). 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
4.1.  OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators visualization tools: Compare your Country 
https://www.compareyourcountry.org/trade -facilitation  and Policy Simulator  
https://sim.oecd.org/default.ashx?ds=TFI . More information on the TFIs  and the trade facilitation 
work: https://www.oecd.org/trade/topics/trade -facilitation/ . 
4.2.  Trade facilitation reforms worldwide: State of play in 2022  (https://www.oecd -
ilibrary.org/trade/trade -facilitation -reforms -worldwide_ce7af2ce -en) assesses, through the lens of 
the updated OECD TFIs, progress and challenges in trade facilitation reform s, including as these 
relate to the implementation of the WTO TFA.  
4.3.  OECD/WTO Aid for Trade at a Glance 2022: Empowering Connected, Sustainable Trade   
(https://doi.org/10.1787/9ce2b7ba -en) highlights the ro le of Aid for Trade in fighting the COVID -19 
pandemic and building economic resilience, including in the area of trade facilitation. The report also 
explores how Aid for Trade can support different economic actors (including women) realise 
opportunities li nked to digital connectivity and sustainability.  
4.4.  Trade in the time of parcels  (https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/trade/trade -in-the-time-of-
parcels_0faac348 -en) shows that progress on digital connectivity and trade facilitation measures, 
such as increased transparency or automating border processes, are likely to have a greater trade -
enhancing impact on small parcels trade than on "traditional" trade.  
4.5.  Trade facilitation  in perishable agro -food products: A feasibility study for addressing at -the-
border challenges  (https://one.oecd.org/document/TAD/TC/WP(2020)16/FINAL/en/pdf ) provides a 
feasibili ty assessment that analyses how a new sub -set of OECD Trade Facilitation Indicators (TFIs) 
could be used for a more complete picture of the current performance of border processes for 
perishable agro -food goods.  
4.6.  Digital opportunities for Sanitary and Phyto sanitary (SPS) systems and the trade facilitation 
effects of SPS electronic certification ( https://www.oecd -ilibrary.org/agriculture -and-food/digital -
opportunities -for-sanitary -and-phytosanitary -sps-systems -and-the-trade -facilitation -effects -of-
sps-electronic -certification_cbb7d0f6 -en) assesses the e ffects of the use of electronic SPS 
certificates on agro -food trade, as well as the challenges and policy implications for a more successful 
adoption of such digital technologies for facilitating trade.  
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UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPME NT (UNCTAD)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  UNCTAD provides a broad range of technical assistance and capacity building act ivities 
in the field of trade facilitation, including a) Elaboration of trade facilitation road maps, 
implementation plans and needs assessments, b) assistance with the ratification, categorization and 
notification of WTO TFA obligations; c) Development of  project proposals and plans; and d) Advisory 
services in all fields of trade, transit and transport facilitation reforms.  
1.2.  UNCTAD delivers targeted and specialized training and support on trade facilitation, 
including to national trade facilitation commit tees through the UNCTAD Empowerment 
Program , comprising Monitoring and evaluation support of trade facilitation initiatives; Physical and 
online capacity -building and technical assistance on trade facilitation reforms; as well as assistance 
with the implem entation of trade facilitation measures.  UNCTAD has developed a dedicated 
e-Learning platform providing 10 specialized training modules on trade facilitation and is developing 
a new series of e -Coaching modules assisting national committees on their operat ions. 
1.3.  UNCTAD has launched a web -based project management and monitoring tool for 
implementation of trade facilitation reforms, the so -called Reform Tracker . The tool is 
presently being implemented with more than 19 countries.  
1.4.  UNCTAD provides a specialized training on transit collaboration and transit 
coordinators toward the implementation of WTO TFA Articles 11.16 and 17 on . The training 
is predominantly provided on regional or sub -regional basis to appointed or designated transit 
coordinators. Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this program me. 
1.5.  UNCTAD provides support in the field of transparency and simplification  through the 
dedicated UN Trade Information Portal  initiative with a view to fulfi ll the ob ligations of TFA 
Art. 1.2. 
1.6.  UNCTAD offers extensive assistance world -wide in the field of Customs and trade 
automation  through the  Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) program. UNCTAD also 
support the implementation of Single Window solutions, including legal ass essments and creating 
the necessary legal frameworks.  
1.7.  UNCTAD also provides the TRAINFORTRADE  programme , which is a leading programme for 
training and capacity building in international trade and development. Using a blended learning 
method, the programme d elivers training to the beneficiary countries in e -commerce, port 
management and trade statistics.  
1.8.  Please visit the UNCTAD Trade Logistics , Trade Facilitation , ASYCUDA , Trade I nformation 
Portals , and TRAINFORTRADE  web sites as indicated below.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
2.1.  Further  to the  Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2021 , UNCTAD participated 
in the World Trade Organization Environment Week to present the "Climate -Smart Trade 
Facilitation and its linkages with Climate Change ". UNCTAD has initiated upstream work  on 
Climate -Smart Trade and Transport fac ilitation to evaluate the environmental impact of moving 
toward climate -smart solutions.  
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  2.2.  UNCTAD is continuously revamping the on -line database on trade facilitation committees 
around the world . Please see the link below. The database includes information a bout the NTFCs 
in 136 countries around the world. UNCTAD is continuously updating and adding new information 
about NTFCs to the platform based on information received from countries. Countries are encouraged 
to update information about their NTFCs or add i nformation about their NTFCs in cases where this 
is missing.  
2.3.  The UNCTAD designed and launched "The UNCTAD Implementation Score of the TFA " 
which is a methodology to calculate a country's implementation rate of the WTO TFA.  
2.4.  The UNCTAD  designed and launched the "UNCTAD Sustainability Score for National Trade 
Facilitation Committees " which aims to evaluate the NTFCs capacity to be operational in the long 
term. The sustainability score is available for 134 countries on the NTFCs database and is comparable 
at global, regional, and national levels.  
2.5.  Under the UNCTAD Empowerment Programme, UNCTAD recently launched the e-Learning 
course for National Trade Facilitation Committees in 6 countries in the Organisation of Eastern 
Caribbean States (O ECS) – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Gr enada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, 
and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on 2 September . In addition, the e -learning course is planned 
to be implemented in October 2022 in 15 African countries in the Economic Commu nity of West 
African States (ECOWAS) region.  
2.6.  The online course on Gender perspectives on Trade Facilitation Reforms  is now available 
in 4 languages, English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. It was successfully completed by 281 trade 
facilitation stakehold ers from 25 countries. These participants now have an awareness of the 
importance of gender in delivering trade facilitation reforms.  
2.7.  UNCTAD recently launched the online course on How to use the Reform Tracker  in 
5 countries in the East African Community. It is also now available in 5 languages, English, French, 
Spanish, Portuguese, and Mongolian. All in all, the course was successfully completed by 
249 participants in 21 member countries , with so far 20 more countries expected to join the platform 
by 2025.  Interested countries can approach UNCTAD for support to roll -out this program, which is 
constantly working on new courses.  
2.8.  The UN Trade Information Portals are currently being implemented in 30 countries (24 are 
already operational) and will soon be imple mented in 4 more countries. This includes 6 programmes, 
aiming to help governments to simplify and automate its administrative procedures.  
2.9.  In the Asia Pacific Trade Facilitation Forum  held last August 29 to September 2 in 
Singapore, UNCTAD organized a work shop with UNESCAP on National Trade Facilitation Committees 
and Sustainable Trade Facilitation. The event provided insights into the role of NTFCs in the 
implementation of sustainable trade facilitation reforms. The discussion included shared experiences, 
best practices and lessons learned shared by the panellists on the issue.  
2.10.   UNCTAD together  with Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation  organized  the first ever Trade 
Facilitation Innovation Days 2022: Accelerating solutions to trade facilitation challenges  
in a 2 -day event held on 20 -21 September 2022. With around  700 participants in over 100 countries , 
the event covered 7 different themes related to trade technology, risk management, E -commerce 
and supply chain resilience. This aim ed to bring together a div erse community of stakeholders 
relevant to trade facilitation to advance innovation still needed in the world of international trade.  
2.11.   TRAINFORTRADE  launched a new project on blended learning strategy to boost the 
digital economy in Small Island Developing States of Africa, the Caribbean and Asia and 
the Pacific.  The project aims to strengthen the capacities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) 
to adopt trade policies that foster digital economy development and enhance crisis responsiveness.  
2.12.   In general, the UNCTAD ASYCUDA program for Customs and Trade Automation  
provides a host of automation options in relation to implementation of Customs and trade facilitation, 
also including Single Window solutions. Its systems are running or being implemen ted in 
100 countries and territories. Please see link below.  G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  2.13.    ASYCUDA 2022 Compendium on Digital connectivity for inclusive trade  was recently 
published and this compendium shares 22 new case studies drawing upon country experiences 
highlighting how the A SYCUDA Programme leverages the latest technologies to deliver trade 
facilitation initiatives that accelerate progress towards multiple SDGs.  
2.14.   ASYHUB  is an open, standardized, platform developed for the processing and integration of 
data between ASYCUDAWorld  and other external systems. The platform is designed to be 
cloud -native, using micro service -centered principles. It will be piloted by Cambodia and Sri Lanka 
in 2022.  
2.15.   ASYREC,  developed in cooperation with OCHA, facilitates and expedites the processing of  
international relief during humanitarian crisis, natural disasters, and complex emergencies such as 
the COVID -19 pandemic. It will be piloted in Vanuatu in 2022.  
2.16.   The eCITES , developed in cooperation with CITES, is a cloud -based electronic permit system 
offering automated support for permit application, processing, issuance and reporting for the 
international trade of endangered species of fauna and flora. The system will be implemented in 
Mozambique in 2022.  
2.17.   ASYCUDA developed the ASYCUDA Automatic Data Not ification Tool (ASYADN).  It 
consists of a software module that facilitates the compilation of trade statistics via the extraction of 
recurring trade data for the WTO 's Integrated Database (IDB). The solution was successfully 
launched in Cote d 'Ivoire and M adagascar in 2021.   
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  For Trade Facilitation, trade portals etc.  
Mr. Poul Hansen, Chief, Trade Facilitation Section  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva, Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 32 58 or +41 79 4444 366  
E-Mail: poul.hansen@unctad.org  or tfs@unctad.org  
 
3.2.  For ASYCUDA  
Mr. Fabrice Millet  
Palais des Nations  
1211 Geneva, Switzerland  
Telephone: +41 22 917 20 59  
E-Mail: fabrice.millet@unctad.org  
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
UNCTAD Websites  
4.1.  Link to the website for the UN Development Account project: Transport and trade connectivity 
in the age of pandemics  https://unttc.org/about .  
4.2.  UNCTAD web site on Trade Logistics https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics  and 
Trade Facili tation https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics/trade -facilitation . 
4.3.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA Program https://asycuda.org . 
4.4.  UNCT AD ASYCUDA ASYREC https://www.asyrec.asycuda.org/ . 
4.5.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA ASYHUB https://www.asyhub.org/ . 
4.6.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA case studies https://asycuda.org/en/case -studies/ . G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  4.7.  UNCTAD ASYCUDA eCITES https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/dtlasycuda_inf2019d2_en.pdf . 
4.8.  UNCTAD Online -database of Trade Facilitation Committees around the world 
https://unctad.org/tfc . 
4.9.  UNCTAD Reform Tracker  https://reformtracker.org/ .  
4.10.   UNCTAD Trade Facilitation E -learning platform (the details of the platform is password 
protected for participating NTFCs) https://tfelearn ing.unctad.org/ . 
4.11.   UN Trade Information Portal Website http://tradeportal.eregulations.org/?l=en . 
4.12.   UNCTAD TRAINFORTRADE programme website https://tft.unctad.org/ .  
Videos  
4.13.   UNCTAD e -Learning Platform for National Trade Facilitation Committees https://youtu.be/5b -
5DW5bCFM . 
4.14.   Delivering UNCTAD  Course on Gender Perspectives in Trade Facilitation Reforms in Africa 
https://youtu.be/F825bXfE_FU . 
4.15.   Trade Facilitation Innovation Days Recap Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pK7j0 -
WqF4 . 
4.16.   UNCTAD Reform Tracker https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-trade-logistics/trade -
facilitation/reform -tracker . 
4.17.   UNCTAD Empowerment Programme for National Trade Facilitation Bodies 
https://youtu.be/NZLI_2LGolQ . 
Studies , articles , and reports  
4.18.   ASYCUDA Newsletter https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/dtlasycudainf2021d1_en.pdf . 
4.19.   ASYCUDA Compendium https://unctad.org/webflyer/asycuda -compendium -2020 . 
4.20.   Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2021: Accelerating Climate smart Trade and 
Investment for Sustainable Development  https://unescap.org/kp/APTIR2021 .  
4.21.   Gender Policy Brief https://unctad.org/webflyer/integrating -gender -perspective -trade -
facilitation -reforms .  
4.22.   National Trade Facilitation Committees as coordinators of trade facilitation reform 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/dtltlb2020d1_en.pdf . 
4.23.   Roadmap for building a national trade information portal 
https://unctad.org/system/files/official -document/dtltlb2021d3_en.pdf .  
4.24.   Sustainable and resilient transport and trade facilitation in times of pandemic and beyond: 
Key challenges and opportunities – sessional document https://unctad.org/system/files/official -
document/cimem7d26_en.pdf .  
4.25.   Technical notes on Trade Facilitation https://unctad.org/webflyer/getting -down -business -
making -most-wto-trade -facilitation -agreement , Background documents .   
4.26.   UNCTAD Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter https://unctad.org/topic/transport -and-
trade -logistics/transport -newsletter .  G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (UNECE)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION  OF THE WTO TFA    
1.1.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and its UN Centre for Trade 
Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) serves as the focal point within the  United Nations 
Economic and Social Council for trade facilitation and electronic business standards.  
1.2.  UN/CEFACT supports countries in implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade 
Facilitation agreement (TFA) through five areas of intervention : pol icy recommendations, 
information exchange standards, guidelines  and capacity building materials, technical assistance,  
and research activities. This broad range of actions  target s all trade actors,  from governments and 
custom agents to local businesses  and big corporations.  
1.3.  Over the past 40 years, UNECE has developed 47 policy recommendations  reflecting best 
practices in trade procedures and data and documentary requirements. The following 
recommendation s are among those provid ing concrete support to the im plementation of the WTO 
TFA: 
• Recommendations 4 and 40 on the establishment and operation of National Trade 
Facilitation Committees, and b est practices in trade and government consultation on trade 
facilitation matters . 
• Recommendation s 33 to 36  on Single Wi ndow  - a facility that allows parties involved in 
trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single -entry 
point to fulfil all import, export, and transit -related regulatory requirements . 
• Recommendation 38 address ing the impo rtance of accessing accurate information about 
the rules governing international trade and how to achieve this through a Trade 
Information Portal (TIP).  
• Recommendation 47 , which  outlines measures to mitigate the adverse impact of a 
pandemic , such as the COVID -19 pandemic,  on trade flows . 
 
1.4.  UN/CEFACT work s with a community of over 1 ,600 experts who develop ed over 
950 information exchange standards . The key advantage of UN/CEFACT st andards is its 
semantic interoperability allowing companies to benefit from complementarity of standards and 
harmonization of processes. UN/CEFACT standards support the following trade areas: sustainable 
and digital supply chain management, trade and logis tics, cross -border management, agriculture, 
accounting and audit, travel and tourism and environment.  
1.5.  UNECE provides guidance  to countries on the implementation of the WTO TFA with its UN 
Trade Facilitation Implementation Guide, and dedicated training mate rials targeted to a rticles 10.1 
on formalities and documentary requirements; 10.3 on use of international standards; 10.4 on single 
window; and 23.2 on national trade facilitation committees and their operation. It also produced 
guidelines for the drafting  of National Trade Facilitation Roadmaps and for advancing paperless 
trade.  
1.6.  UNECE conducts technical assistance projects  to support transition economies and their 
trade institutions in Europe and Central Asia in their efforts to advance sustainable and di gital trade 
facilitation.  Through technical assistance programs for instance, UNECE supported Greece, Tajikistan 
and Kyrgyz Republic with the development of National Trade Facilitation Roadmaps, which serve as 
the guiding framework for comprehensive nation al trade facilitation reforms over a five -year period . 
1.7.  UNECE, in cooperation with other United Nations Regional Commissions  (UNRCs),  collect s and 
analy zes data on the implementation of 5 8 detailed measures for sustainable and digital trade 
facilitation, in cluding the WTO TFA provisions, leading to the publication of the biennial UN Report 
on Sustainable and Digital Trade Facilitation.  
G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)   
2.1.  To promote the use of clear, structured semantics and coded information in data exchange,  in 
October 2022  UNECE adopted the  revised Recommendation No. 2  on ECE Layout Key: semantic 
information and codes in international trade data exchange and its guidelines. This document 
encourage s all stakeholders to use international standards, particularly UN/CEFACT semantic 
standards for e -business data exchange relevant to their operations.  
2.2.  UN/CEFACT is currently developing a new Recommendation  on encouraging private sector 
participation in National Trade Facilitation Committees. This recommendation provide s insights on 
barriers for effective participation in and organizational challenges  for these Committees and 
proposes actions to foster a trusted and effective collaboration between the private and public 
sectors.  
2.3.  In October 2022, UN/CEFACT launched a series of new standards  for e-certificate of origin, 
integrated track and trace for multi -modal information and cross -industry despatch and receive 
process. These are new tools to move towar ds alignment and  harmonization of trade rules and 
procedures. In addition, the UN/CEFACT tool for Integrated Services for MSMEs in International 
Trade  (ISMIT) and development of eService platforms aims to facilitate trade for MSMEs by 
addressing obstacles in an effective manner and allows them to reach export markets. SMEs are 
particularly affected by disrupted supply chains during COVID -19, economic downturn and current 
crisis.  
2.4.  Following the adoption by the Kyrgyz government of the National Trade Facilitat ion Roadmap 
in 2021, in 2022 Kyrgyz Republic  established a Center for Trade Facilitation  with a capacity to 
train 100 experts per year.  UNECE  supported the Center with the preparation of an online course on 
trade facilitation aimed at capacity building  in the wide Central Asian region.  
2.5.  This year t he secretariat also supported UN/CEFACT multi modal digitalization projects , 
including through the  UNDA project on COVID -19 Trade and Transport Connectivity in partnership 
with several other organizations. Digitalization of alternative trade routes is currently being explored 
as part of the United Nations support to Ukraine.    
2.6.  UNECE together with othe r UN Regional Commissions (UNRCs) and UNCTAD is implementing a 
project on "Blockchains for facilitating trade and enhancing competitiveness ". Blockchain technology 
presents an opportunity to further enhance trade digitalization and support in mitigating th e 
socioeconomic impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic and cutting trade costs. Under the project, UNECE 
will provide technical assistance  to the Government of Uzbekistan to increase their preparedness 
to adopt and adapt blockchain to international trade . 
2.7.  The UNECE regional report on digital and sustainable trade facilitation  of 2021 concluded 
that UNECE economies have reached the impressive average rate of trade facilitation implementation 
of 76%, which marks  an increase from 72% in 2019. The report also identified disparities among 
sub-regions , especially in digital trade facilitation.  UNECE is currently working on the preparatio n of 
the 2023 global and regional reports, jointly with the other UN Regional Commissions.  
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE   
3.1.  To request assistance, please contact Ms. Maria Ceccarelli, Chief, Trade Facilitation Section 
(Telephone: +41 22 917 2455, maria.ceccarelli@un.org ). 
4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
 
UN/CEFACT: https://www.unece.org/cefact.html  
Recommendations and Standards:  http://www.unece.org/cefact/recommendations/rec_index.html  
Trade Facilitation Implementation Guide (TFIG): http://tfig.u nece.org/  
 
  G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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WORLD BANK GROUP  (WBG)  
1  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
1.1.  The WBG is the one of the largest multilateral providers of financial, capacity building, and 
technical assistance support for trad e facilitation. The TFA provides the framework for the WBG's 
trade facilitation support to more than 70 countries, and the WBG works closely with the WTO, other 
partners (including Annex D), and donors to support developing and least developed countries in  
TFA implementation. WBG support on trade facilitation is implemented through a mix of technical 
assistance, investment lending, and policy development operations.  
1.2.  The WBG provides global TFA implementation support primarily through the Trade Facilitation 
Support Program (TFSP) - its flagship trust fund program launched in 2014.   TFSP has provided or 
is providing multi -year implementation assistance to 50+ countries and is supported by Australia, 
Canada, the European Union, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden,  Switzerland, the United Kingdom, 
and the United States. The WBG previously also provided support to five middle -income countries 
through the Trade Facilitation Programme in Middle Income Countries, which was supported by the 
UK.  
1.3.  The WBG assists countries  to identify existing constraints and bottlenecks to cross -border 
trade; design and plan for the implementation of practical and demand -driven reforms; support the 
sustainability of public -private dialogue mechanisms, and increase the predictability, trans parency, 
and harmonization of systems and procedures in line with international standards covering import, 
export, and transit activities. The WBG focuses on supporting the full and effective implementation 
of the WTO TFA and related trade facilitation ref orms through a whole -of-government approach that 
takes into account the varied capacities of border agencies to implement reforms.  
1.4.  Supported technical assistance can include help with preparatory activities (such as preparing 
for ratification of the WTO T FA or scheduling commitments), diagnostics, capacity building (such as 
strengthening the National Trade Facilitation Committee), technical assistance (such as establishing 
and publishing average release times), and/or regional activities (such as implement ing border 
agency collaboration, risk management automation and preparation for national single wondows).  
1.5.  Recognizing the important roles of both the public and private sectors in trade facilitation, the 
World Bank Group implements support by drawing on t he unique expertise of both the World Bank, 
the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and partnerships with Donors and other Annex D 
organizations.  
2  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF  DELIVERY)  
2.1.  Scaling up wo rk on trade facilitation and the full and effective implementation of the TFA has 
been especially relevant over the past few years during the pandemic, and d emand for WBG support 
for trade facilitation has continued to grow. Responding to the increase in d emand for WBG support, 
TFSP recently added five countries (Angola, Egypt, Indonesia, Mozambique, Peru) to its portfolio. 
Support for a few additional countries are under consideration.  
2.2.  The WBG continues to monitor progress towards meeting its objective of  helping countries fully 
and effectively implement the TFA. Through Gap Assessments that covers legal/policy aspects, 
implementation procedures, and operational checks for each TFA measure, the most recent data 
indicates that TFSP -funded activities have he lped improve client countries’ alignment with WTO TFA 
measures by more than 10%.     
2.3.  The WBG continues to carry out its work on trade facilitation and gender, with particular focus 
on women -led firms in cross -border trade. The WBG designed a survey to coll ect gender -
G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
- 17 - 
 
  disaggregated data on the challenges that women traders (at the firm -level) face compared to their 
male counterparts in order to inform the design of future trade facilitation projects. The survey has 
been completed in eight countries; and build ing on that work, more surveys are currently underway.  
2.4.  Emphasis is placed on supporting sustainable reforms – interventions that continue to generate 
results and gains for stakeholders even after WBG support is completed. This is achieved through 
providing  extensive training, fostering ownership and leadership, and implementing reforms that are 
binding.  
2.5.  The WBG continues excellent cooperation and coordination with TFAF to ensure 
complementarity of activities and implementation of support for requests recei ved by TFAF.  
2.6.  The WBG is working to launch a podcast series. Each podcast will focus on a specific theme 
and have an operational ‘'how to'’ on the specific subject matter. The podcast format will feature 
voices from the field (i.e., clients) and WBG experts . The aim is to help technical clients (non -
economists) understand concepts related to trade reforms.  
2.7.  The automation and digitization of border procedures has become increasingly relevant during 
the COVID -19 pandemic. There is an increased focus and demand from clients for digitization 
initiatives, like the Single Window. In order to manage client expectat ions and provide optimal 
technical assistance, the WBG is working on a short animation. It will introduce clients to the benefits 
of digitization and the steps required for the implementation of a Single Window.  
2.8.  Other examples of WBG knowledge products pr oviding guidance in addressing key challenges 
related to the pandemic and capturing good practice in trade facilitation include:  
Video:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/video/2020/06/22/managing -risk-and-facilitating -
trade -during -covid-19 
Guidance Notes:  
• Managing Risk and Facilitating Trade During COVID -19 
 English  | Español  | Français | Português  | Русский  
 
• Trade Facilitation Best Practices Implemented in Response to the COVID -19 Pandemic 
http://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/824081587487261551/pdf /Trade -and-
COVID -19-Guidance -Note-Trade -Facilitation -Best-Practices -Implemented -in-Response -to-
the-COVID -19-Pandemic.pdf  
 
• Recomendacione s sobre mejores prácticas en facilitación de comercio para Centroamérica 
como resultado de covid -19  
 
Blogs:  
• Public -private collaboration facilitates the import of vaccines in Tonga  
• Supporting Safe Trade to Improve Nepal’s Export Position  
• New Clearance Procedures Save Time at Macedonian Border  
• Ten years old and growing strong – Happy  Birthday to the Lao Trade Information Portal  
• Time release studies: Making trade faster and more predictable in Europe a nd Central Asia  
• Trade facilitation: Critical to COVID -19 recovery  
• Digital Trade Can Help North Macedonia Build Back Better Post -COVID -19   
• Managing organizational performance in Customs during a crisis period  
 
3  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
3.1.  To receive support, countries are expected to have demonstrated a strong commitment to 
implementing trade facilitation reforms. The trust funds prior itize assistance to countries with limited 
access to other donor support. Requests for assistance can be made directly to Mr. Bill Gain, Global 
Lead for Trade Facilitation ( wgain@ifc.org ), World Bank Group offices, or donor partners.  G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  4  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
• World Bank Group TFSP webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/trade -facilitation -support -program  
 
• WBG Trade and COVID -19 Resources Webpage  
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/trade/brief/trade -and-covid-19 
 
• Research: WBG Trade Facilitation & Gender Surveys  
Brazil  |  The Philippines  | South Africa  | Pacific Islands and Timor -Leste (Regional 
report)  |  Fiji |  Papa New Guinea  |  Samoa  | Vanuatu  |  Timor -Leste  
• WBG Videos & Animations  
Video: Unlocking Trade for Women in the Pacific  
• Single Window – A Path to Paperles s Trade  
 
https://youtu.be/g -KdfJf478Q   G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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WORLD CUSTOMS ORGANIZATION  (WCO)  
5  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR ORGANIZATION'S ROLE IN SUPPORTING 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TFA  
5.1.  The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organization dealing 
with Cus toms matters. In order to support its members in TFA implementation, in June 2014 the 
WCO launched its flagship  Mercator Programme in the field of trade facilitation. The Mercator 
Programme follows a dual -track approach that is comprised of overall and tailor -made tracks, 
allowing the WCO to respond to important cross -cutting, as well as country -specific challenges  to 
TFA implementation. The Mercator Programme is a unique initiative that allows for uniform 
implementation of the TFA by applying WCO instruments and tools and is supported by the practical 
experiences of the global Customs community. It has been evolvin g to address the needs and 
requirements of the Membership, including those arising from the challenges faced by the COVID -
19 pandemic.  
6  BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ANY RECENT OR UPCOMING ASSISTANCE/ACTIVITIES (AND 
METHODS OF DELIVERY)  
Overall track of the Mercator  Programme  
6.1.  A number  of tools and guidance materials were presented to the WCO Policy Commission 
and/or Council  and completed in June 2022:  
• Self-Assessment Checklist to be incorporated as an annex into the WCO Guidelines on 
Disaster Management and Supply Ch ain Continuity;  
• Revised E-Commerce F ramework of Standard a nd the Technical Specifications to the 
Framework ; 
• 3rd Edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on E -Commerce;  
• Updated Secretariat Note on E xpanding the Concept of Authori zed Economic Operator (AEO) 
to Cross -Border E-Commerce;  
• WCO/WTO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies ;  
• WCO Railway Guidance ;  
• Updated Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Compendium  with the new section relating 
to Basel Convention implementation in the Customs context;   
• Updated Advance Passenger Information (API) Guidelines ; 
• Update d  Diagnostic Tool on PCA and Infrastructure;  
• Update d How to A udit Typology ; and, 
• Update  of "the G uide for tec hnical  update of preferenti al rules of origin " to capture HS  2022 
amendment .   
 
6.2.  The following guidance tools and materials are under development  or update : 
• Guidelines on Fighting A gainst Valuation F raud;  
• Risk Management Compendium Volume 2 ; 
• WCO TFA Implem entation Guidance for Section I;  
• 4th Edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on E -Commerce;  
• WCO Guide to Stress Tests; and,  
• Guidelines on Customs – Port Cooperation  
 
6.3.  As a continuation of the efforts deployed in order to pool good practices and experiences on 
implementation of advance rulings, the WCO launched an online survey to collect information about 
the practices of WCO Members that will be used in the update of the Technical Guidelines on advance 
rulings for classification, origin and valu ation (June 2015), in particular in regards to the time periods 
at the various stages governing this mechanism, such as the periods for issuance, admissibility, 
G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
- 20 - 
 
  review or appeal. In addition, a "post-implementation " diagnostic tool of the advance rulings 
mechanism will be implemented, which will allow administrations to assess whether their national 
legislation complies with the requirements of Article 3 of the TFA.  
6.4.  The WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies was adopted as a living tool at the 
June 2019 Council Sessions. Three years after, the Study Report has been updated in partnership 
with the WTO, with the aim of covering the overall international trade context in which Customs 
administrations play an important role. The WCO/WTO Study Report on Disr uptive Technologies 
2022 includes findings from the WCO/WTO paper "The role of advanced technologies in cross -border 
trade: A Customs perspective " published in March 2022. It also includes lessons learnt and 
recommendations stemming from the round of WCO's regional online experience -sharing workshops 
held in 2021 and 2022, as well as updated and new case studies provided by Members and o ther 
stakeholders. The Study Report was approved by the Council in June 2022. The WCO and WTO 
launched the Study Report at a joint webinar organized on 3 October 2022. The WCO/WTO Study 
Report on Disruptive Technologies 2022 is available via the following link: http://www.wcoomd.org/ -
/media/wco/public/global/pdf/to pics/facilitation/instruments -and-tools/tools/wco -wto-joint-
report/wco -wto-study -report -on-disruptive -technologies.pdf?db=web . 
6.5.  During the current financial year, national and regional workshops continue in the areas of TFA, 
e-commerce, performance measurem ent, risk management, AEO, data analytics, post -clearance 
audit, advance rulings, COVID -19, disruptive technologies, free zones, coordinated border 
management and in many other areas.  
Tailor -made track of the Mercator Programme  
6.6.  The WCO has remained responsive and proactive to the TFA implementation needs of its 
Members and has continued to provide effective technical support and capacity building assistance.  
6.7.  Since May 2022 , with the assistance of Member Experts, almost 100  on-line, ble nded and 
in-country support activities have been successfully delivered and many more are planned for later 
in 2022.  Over 70  of these support activities were delivered under the multi -year (MY) Mercator 
operating model that is based on medium to long -term engagements and employs a project -based 
approach.  The WCO currently has 58 Customs administrations benefiting from MY Mercator 
partnerships.  
6.8.  Delivered activities have included several  in-country  Mercator diagnostic assessments and 
strategic planning suppo rt missions along with activities closely associated with specific Articles of 
the TFA including, post -clearance audit, risk management, time release study, authorized economic 
operators, amongst others.  
6.9.  Throughout the period, engagements with many MY Merc ator beneficiaries have seen on-going 
work to review Implementation Plans, provide implementation status updates and the completion of 
Maturity Model assessments that provide an important baseline against which future TFA 
implementation progress and maturi ty can be measured and reported.  
6.10.   The Mercator Programme Advisor (MPA) Handbook that provides detailed guidance to WCO 
Experts conducting strategic support missions on behalf of the WCO has b een updated and published 
on the WCO CLiKC! MPA Forum that has be en recently re -launched.  
6.11.   The new Mercator Programme Brochure  was published in September 2022 . The brochure aims 
to provide Members with an overview of the recent updates to the overall and tailor -made tracks of 
the Mercator Programme. It also provides an u pdate on the achievements of the Mercator 
Programme and on recent WCO instruments and tools that were developed to support 
implementation of the TFA during the period between July 2020 -June 2022. The WCO Mercator 
Programme Brochure is available via the fol lowing link: http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity -
building/activities -and-programmes/mercator -programme.aspx . G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  COVID -19 related work  
6.12.   The implementation of the WCO COVID -19 Action Plan was successfully completed in 
June 2022. Nevertheless, the Secretariat continues to carry out work related to the COVID -19 
pandemic.  
6.13.   Since May 2022, under the COVID -19 project funded by the Government of J apan, the WCO 
organized an online regional workshop for the Asia -Pacific Region on sharing of experiences and 
lessons learnt from COVID -19. Several workshops were organized at the national level for Members 
having requested the Project's support, such as H aiti, Cameroon, Tonga and Fiji. More activities will 
be delivered in the coming months such as a sub -regional workshop in Nigeria in February 2023.  
6.14.   Operation STOP  II, launched by the WCO, was successfully concluded on 4 May 2022, 
following participation by  160 WCO Members, the largest ever number to take part in a WCO -led 
operation. During the three phases of the operation, a total of 2,769 cases of trafficking were 
reported by 90 Members and some 4,034 cases of seizures were recorded. Of the 501.5 million units 
seized, 273.6 million were medicines related to COVID -19 (ivermectin, doxycycline, pregabalin, 
etc.), 214.4 million were medical devices (COVID -19 test kits, face masks, used gloves, sanitizer 
gel, oxygen cylinders, etc.) and approximately 13.5 milli on were doses of COVID -19 vaccines. 
STOP  II has reaffirmed the crucial role played by Customs in safeguarding public health and 
protecting society.  
6.15.   Operation STOP II was part of the COVID -19 Action Plan developed by the WCO to implement 
the Resolution on t he Role of Customs in Facilitating the Cross -Border Movement of Situationally 
Critical Medicines and Vaccines of December 2020. It was aimed at enhancing cooperation between 
Customs administrations, in collaboration with the 11 Regional Intelligence Liaiso n Offices (RILOs), 
relevant international organizations (Europol, INTERPOL, the European Anti -Fraud Office (OLAF), the 
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)) and 
private -sector actors. The focus was on cou nterfeit/illicit medicines, vaccines and medical supplies 
related to the COVID -19 pandemic and which may pose a threat to consumer health and safety.  
6.16.   A total of 95 webinars and training sessions were conducted to build the capacities of 
participating Memb er administrations still further. These events were attended by 5,100 participants, 
who gained the knowledge required to make the operation a success. These webinars and training 
sessions also made Customs better equipped to identify counterfeit COVID -19 vaccines and curb 
trafficking therein.  
Past and upcoming events  
6.17.   Since May 2022, the WCO organized the  Green Customs Global Conference (27 -28 June 
2022) , the 2022 WCO Knowledge Academy for Customs and Trade (28 June -1 July 2022)  the first 
in a series of symposia on Visualising a greener HS (05 October 2022), the WCO Human Capital 
Management Global  Conference (10 -11 October 2022), and the WCO Technology Conference and 
Exhibition (18 -20 October 2022) . It is currently in the process of organizing the 17th Annual PICARD 
Conference (8 -9 December 2022) . All information on WCO events can be found at a dedicated Events 
web page .  
7  HOW TO REQUEST ASSISTANCE  
7.1.  WCO Capacity Building delivery is based on multi -year project planning as well as on the annual 
Capacity Building needs assessment carried out by the Secretariat together with Member Customs 
administrations and supported by the Regional Offices for Capacity Bu ilding (ROCBs).   
7.2.  However, in addition to this needs  assessment process, developing countries and LDCs may 
submit their requests for assistance to the WCO Capacity Building Directorate 
(capacity.building@ wcoomd.org ) at any time.  
7.3.  Interested development partners and donor institutions may contact the WCO Office of External 
Relations ( external.relations@wcoomd.org ) with regard to further cooperation, including financial 
support for technical assistance and capacity building projects.  G/TFA/W/ 85 
 
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  8  USEFUL INFORMATION (LINKS TO WEBSITE, RESEARCH ARTICLES, ETC.)  
WCO website: www.wcoomd.org . 
 
Mercator Programme:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity -building/activities -and-programmes/mercator -
programme.aspx . 
 
WCO Implementing the TFA:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/wco -implementing -the-wto-atf.aspx . 
 
COVID -19 web page:  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/coronavirus.aspx . 
 
COVID -19 vaccines distribution  
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/facilitation/activities -and-programmes/natural -
disaster/covid19 -vaccines -distribution.aspx . 
 
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